How to become a great interviewer

So, you want to be a great interviewer. 

Interviewing is a particularly fine balance. You don't want to come across as an interrogation straight out of "Line of Duty," but without a structure, ample thoughts, and thorough research, it can turn into a wasted opportunity with your guest, and rambling is a real turnoff for your audience. Striking that balance is key.

Here are three easy steps to becoming a great interviewer.

Step One: Learn from the Best

So, we all know great interviewers. We listen and watch good interviews, and there's a sense of familiarity. Well, that's because they've done tons of research and have a wealth of great questions that steer the conversation. But most importantly, they listen.

The first step in becoming a great interviewer is watching or listening to other great interviewers at work. I'll provide some links in the show notes to some of my favorites. Pay attention to how they ask questions, how they create an interview environment, and the tactics they employ to elicit answers from their guests using clear questions.

Step Two: Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Step two, prepare the questions. I know a well-known podcaster with a significant following who once told me they never prep questions; they just go with the flow. However, that podcast often exceeds an hour, and sometimes much longer. It's something I would never recommend.

While going with the flow has its merits, having a list of topics you want to cover is crucial. At least with the prep work, those questions are in the back of your mind. It's a good idea to have the first and last questions written down. This allows you to enter and exit the interview confidently.

Step Three: Master the Art of Listening

Step three, listen. All great interviewers have this in common—they listen and respond. If your questions are scripted, this grants you the flexibility to listen actively. When people answer questions, they often introduce aspects that deserve further exploration. Have you ever listened to an interview and thought, "I wish they had asked more about that"? Your audience thinks the same.

So, practice being a keen listener.

Here's a bonus tip: Don't fear the pause; embrace it. Natural pauses are powerful. Interviewees might seize the moment to contribute something significant. Allow moments of silence; you both might need that time to think.

I hope you find joy in interviewing your guests. Your skill as an interviewer will evolve with each interaction. Remember, the key lies in learning, preparation, and active listening.